ECSTATIC Exeter Chiefs fans declared "this is where we belong" after the team's stunning 22-10 victory in their Premiership debut against Gloucester.

"That will make the pundits eat their words," one supporter shouted as the 9,000 plus crowd bounced out of a sunny Sandy Park on Saturday with the enthusiasm generated by last season's promotion triumph still in full swing.

The day had been 12 years in the planning and the historic game created a carnival atmosphere and a real sense of occasion before kick off.

Outside the ground, as supporters of both sides mingled, there were more television cameras than normal, a bigger queue for the bar and representatives of sports channel ESPN handing out free gifts for supporters.

Talk was one of hope over expectation with anticipation of a hard struggle ahead.

Chief executive Tony Rowe admitted he could not sleep the night before. But any lingering doubts the team were not ready for the big time on the pitch were quickly dispelled within minutes as Mark Foster touched down before celebrating in front a delirious North Terrace.

Fans, who had responded in raptures to calls from the stadium announcer to "make some noise for the Chiefs" from the start, were left pinching themselves at such a dream start. Things got even better from there. Gareth Steenson gave another faultless kicking performance while his Gloucester counterpart, Welsh international Nick Robinson, had what some described as a "shocker".

Despite the impressive victory, head coach Rob Baxter said after the game if any of his squad had suggested doing a lap of honour he would have thrown them into the dressing room. But if the players' celebrations were somewhat muted with thoughts immediately turning to next week's match against champions Leicester, the same can certainly not be said about the supporters.

Mike Eden, 72, of Cowley Bridge, Exeter, said: "I am thrilled. They have given notice to the Premiership that they are here and they are here to stay. I saw them against Bristol in the play-offs and they showed then what they could do.

"It is going to be a tough season but they have showed they are in the right company and this is where they belong. This is a warning shot to the rest of the division."

A croaky sounding Mark Hawker, 35, of Cullompton, said: "My voice has gone but we could not have started any better. It reminded me of the play-off game and the atmosphere was rocking."

Simon Parsons, 50, of Dawlish, said: "It was absolutely brilliant and we have shown we are not the whipping boys everyone predicted. I predicted a win today and the team did us proud."

Martin Parsons, 55, of Dawlish, said: "Marvellous. That will make the pundits eat their words. They all said we would come bottom but what a start to the season."

Dave Cridge, 70, of Dawlish, said: "They will all be worried now. Bring on Newcastle. If we play like that we have every chance."

Dan Mountstevens, 24, of Exeter said: "I was anticipating a close game but to win by 12 points is amazing.

"Steenson's kicking was clearly the difference. It is still going to be a hard season but if we play like we did today we have got a chance. I did not think after the Bristol away game it could get any better but today has matched, if not beaten that."

Phil Hawkins, 41, of Broadfields, Exeter, said: "They played fantastically as a unit. It is early days but it shows they put the work in pre-season and it has completely surpassed my expectations. There is a long way to go but hopefully this has given us the confidence to go forward."

Jamie Hawkins, 18, said: "It was an amazing atmosphere and we deserved to win. We just have an easy game away at Leicester coming up next."

For some, though, the enhanced optimism was still tempered with a cautious realism about the challenge that lies ahead. But fans insisted nothing was going to stop them enjoying the experience after such a long wait.

Dale Hodder, 49 of Dawlish said: "It is going to be one hell of a fight to stay up but it has taken so long to get here and it is the best feeling in the world being in the Premiership."

Keith Gibbings, 50, of Newton Abbott, said: "It is great to be here and it will certainly bring a lot of people to the area — just look at the amount of Gloucester fans here today."

Paul Edworthy, 34, of Teignmouth, said: "I think the adrenalin being carried over from last season will see us get off to a good start but I just hope they can maintain it."

Ian Bowmont, 45, of Tavistock, said: "It is going to be great for the club and it would be fantastic if they could stay up. Third from bottom would be a good position."

John Harrison, 40, Cullompton, said: "I think we can hold our own against a lot of the teams and if they can up their game consistently by 10-15 per cent from last season — that is all they will need."

With capacity at Sandy Park increased to 10,750, it was not quite a sell-out but there was evidence that the team's heady status was increasing its fanbase throughout the south west.

Simon Edwards, 40 of Tavistock, was with his son Harry, eight.

He said: "It is very exciting to have Premiership rugby in the South West.

"It is the first time we have been up but we have season tickets and will be coming to every home game this season.

"It is going to be tough playing established sides but I am confident they can do well and it will be a very exciting season."

Gerry Luke, 61, of St Thomas, said: "To see them playing at the top level is every fan's wish.

"As a club they have worked very hard to get here and it is fantastic for everyone involved and for the whole of the West Country."